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Canon's EOS-1D Mark IV digital SLR. Photo provided by Canon Inc. Click for our Canon 1D Mark IV preview! Canon 1D Mark IV: announced, previewed (UPDATED)
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(Tuesday, October 20, 2009 - 00:00 EDT)

Canon Inc. has today unveiled its latest single-lens reflex digital SLR for professional use, and to coincide with the announcement we've just published our Canon 1D Mark IV preview.

The Canon EOS-1D Mark IV is a direct replacement for the company's previous 1D Mark III model, which has now been officially discontinued and will no longer be available once existing stock is cleared from the retail channel. The Canon 1D Mark IV supplements its predecessor's functionality with significant improvements in a number of areas. Perhaps most significant are the Mark IV's use of a new CMOS image sensor and dual DIGIC 4 image processors, which together have allowed Canon to offer both an increase in image resolution to 16.1 megapixels, along with a huge step forwards in the camera's ISO sensitivity range which now reaches as high as an expanded ISO 102,400 setting.

The 1D Mark IV also gains a significantly uprated autofocus system. While it still offers 45 AF points, fully 39 of these are f/2.8 cross-type sensors, and all of them are available for direct selection by the photographer - the concept of Assist points no longer applies to the Canon Mark IV. In addition, the predictive servo tracking AF has been overhauled, and is now designated AI Servo II AF in the Canon EOS-1D Mk IV. There's also a new higher-resolution LCD display with improved reflection / glare resistance, identical to that seen in the previous EOS 7D model.

As readers will doubtless expect, the Canon 1D Mk IV also includes this year's must-have feature: high definition video capability. Video features are again broadly similar to those of the Canon 7D - resolutions up to 1,920 x 1,080 pixels, a wide selection of frame rates to cater for various uses, both automatic and manual exposure control, and audio from either a monaural internal mic or a stereo mic jack. The 1D Mk IV also allows contrast detection autofocusing during both live view and movie operation, although it should be noted that Canon doesn't recommend the latter, due to the likelihood of AF operation being disruptive to the experience on both video and audio streams. Finally, the control method used to start and stop live view and video recording on the Canon Mk IV has been changed from previous models, including the addition of a new custom function that alters behaviour still further. More on this in our 1D Mark IV preview.

Other changes of note in the Mk IV include support for UDMA Mode 6 CompactFlash cards, the addition of Canon's Peripheral Illumination Correction technology, the debut of a new generation of Canon's Auto Lighting Optimizer function, and quite a bit more besides... Body dimensions are unchanged, but the body weight has increased by roughly an ounce - attributed to the new higher-res LCD display. Full details can be found in our 1D Mk IV preview, and detailed product specifications can be found below, along with the official Canon USA press release.

The Canon EOS-1D Mark IV goes on sale from late December 2009, with pricing set at around US$5,000 body-only. Alongside the camera itself, Canon has announced a new wireless file transmitter whose name is somewhat of a mouthful - the WFT-E2 II A. This brings the 1D-series cameras' file transmitter up to date with the latest model offered for the EOS 7D, with the addition of 802.11a support to the existing 802.11b/g, as well as a WFT server capable of controlling up to ten cameras remotely from one unit. We understand that the WFT-E2 II A is just a few millimeters taller than the previous model, although we don't have exact size and weight details currently. Likewise, pricing and availability for this accessory were not available at press time.

For more details on the 1D Mark IV professional digital SLR, read our Canon 1D Mk IV preview.

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV
Canon's EOS-1D Mark IV digital SLR. Photo provided by Canon Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera TypePro SLR
ManufacturerCanon
Model NumberEOS-1D Mark IV
Dimensions6.1 x 6.2 x 3.1 in.
(156 x 157 x 80 mm)
Weight 41.6 oz
(1,180 g)
Planned Price$4,999
Planned Availability Late December 2009
Image Capture
Sensor TypeCanon CMOS
APS-H (approx. 1.32 in. diagonal)
17.00 megapixels (total)
16.10 megapixels (effective)
Filter TypeRGBG
Aspect Ratio3:2
Image Dimensions4896 x 3264 (16.0 megapixels, JPEG / Raw)
4320 x 2880 (12.4 megapixels, JPEG)
3672 x 2448 (9.0 megapixels, M-Raw)
3552 x 2368 (8.4 megapixels, JPEG)
2448 x 1632 (4.0 megapixels, JPEG / S-Raw)
Capture Speed Continuous: 10 frames per second for 121 large/fine JPEG frames
Image Preview / Review
ViewfinderYes, Eye-level fixed pentaprism, 0.76x magnification, 20mm eyepoint, -3.0 to +1.0 diopter correction
100% field of view
LCD3.0 in. diagonal
920,000 dots (approx. 307,000 pixels)
100% field of view
Playback Zoom10.0x max
Lens
Lens TypeInterchangeable Lens
Lens MountCanon EF (except EF-S)
In-Body Image Stabilization No
Focusing System45 user selectable points (39 f/2.8 cross-type) phase detection w/ AI Servo II; LV contrast detect
Does not have in-body AF assist lamp (uses external flash strobe for AF assist)
Manual focus possible
Exposure
ISO SensitivityAuto, 100 to 12,800 (standard), 50 to 102,400 (expanded)
Shutter Speed 30 - 1/8000 second, bulb
Exposure Modes Program, Aperture, Shutter, Manual
Metering Modes 63-zone metering sensor. Evaluative: linked to AF point. Partial: 13.5%. Center-weighted average. Spot: 3.8% at center, linked to AF point, or multi spot (eight sequential readings combined).
Exposure Compensation +/- 3.0EV in 1/3EV or 1/2EV increments
White BalanceImage Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, White Fluorescent, Flash, Custom (5 settings from camera), Personal (5 settings from PC), Color Temp
Internal FlashModes: E-TTL II / evaluative / averaged; x-sync at 1/250 (1/300 w/ Canon Speedlite)
Flash Exposure Compensation +/- 3.0EV in 1/3EV or 1/2EV increments
Creative
Self TimerYes, 2 or 10 seconds
Movie FormatH.264 (.MOV) with audio
Storage
Recording MediumCompactFlash Type I or Type II, SD/MMC including SDHC
File SystemComplies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File Format14-bit .CR2 Raw, JPEG (EXIF 2.21)
Connectivity
VideoHigh definition: Yes (HDMI)
Standard definition: Yes, NTSC / PAL switchable
ComputerUSB 2.0 High Speed
Power
Battery TypeLithium-ion rechargeable + lithium disposable
Battery Form Factor1 x proprietary LP-E4 + CR2025 backup battery
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliantYes
PictBridge CompliantYes
Internal Microphone Yes, two monaural. Front mic for video, rear mic for voice memo.
Internal Speaker Yes, rear panel monaural.
Tripod MountYes
Remote Control Yes, Canon N3 terminal / PC tether via USB
NotesCompactFlash slot supports UDMA Mode 6 cards. Dual storage slots allow copying files between cards, storing different file types on each card, duplicating data on both cards, or using one card as an overflow when the other is full. Camera is powered by dual DIGIC 4 processors. Has live view and HD video modes with contrast detect AF. Has two internal monaural microphones - front panel for video, rear panel for voice memo. Also has stereo mic jack for external mic.
More Photos
Canon's EOS-1D Mark IV digital SLR. Photo provided by Canon Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
Canon's EOS-1D Mark IV digital SLR. Photo provided by Canon Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
Canon's EOS-1D Mark IV digital SLR. Photo provided by Canon Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
Canon's EOS-1D Mark IV digital SLR. Photo provided by Canon Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
Canon's EOS-1D Mark IV digital SLR. Photo provided by Canon Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
 

UPDATED 2009-10-20 00:06ET: Official Canon USA press release added.


Original Source Press Release:

Introducing The Ultimate Multimedia Imaging Solution: The New Canon EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR Camera

The EOS-1D Mark IV Features a Completely Redesigned 45-Point Autofocus System, Fast 10 fps Continuous Shooting, 16-Megapixel Resolution, Outstanding ISO Sensitivity, and Full HD Video Recording at Selectable Frame Rates

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., October 20, 2009 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, is proud to introduce the next evolution in the EOS 1D series of cameras: the Canon EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR camera. The EOS-1D Mark IV is a high-speed multimedia performance monster with a 16-megapixel Canon CMOS sensor, Dual DIGIC 4 Imaging Processors, and 14-bit A/D data conversion, all at 10 frames-per-second (fps), with the widest ISO range Canon has produced to date. This new camera also features 1080p Full High-Definition video capture at selectable frame rates packaged in Canon’s most rugged and durable professional camera body.

The crowning achievement of Canon’s 1D Mark IV Digital SLR is its new autofocus system that starts with 45 AF points including 39 high-precision cross-type focusing points capable of tracking fast moving athletes or wildlife accurately at speeds up to 10 frames per second. With greater subject detection capability than ever before plus a newly redesigned AI Servo II AF predictive focusing algorithm, the Canon EOS-1D Mark IV camera sets new standards for autofocus performance among professional digital SLRs. Whether shooting for the six o’clock news or the front page, the EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR is the quintessential camera to freeze fast-moving action with high-speed stills or capture stunning HD video with dynamic color and image quality. To accompany the new EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR camera, Canon is also announcing a new accessory, the WFT-E2 II A wireless file transmitter providing photographers with a wide range of professional digital connectivity options.

“Canon works hard to be the imaging leader in all our business endeavors. This goal has fueled our innovation and R&D efforts to engineer the most advanced autofocus system Canon has ever produced. We are proud to announce the camera that will deliver the ultimate in imaging quality to professionals working in all areas of multimedia imaging, whether it’s action photography, photojournalism or HD video and cinematography,” stated Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A.

The Canon EOS-1D Mark IV camera will intrigue professional photographers in virtually every category from photojournalism and sports through nature, wedding, portrait and fashion to commercial, industrial and law enforcement. What makes the EOS-1D Mark IV camera different from its predecessors, in addition to numerous focusing system and image quality improvements, is its exceptional Full HD video capture capability. With this new level of functionality, the 1D Mark IV Digital SLR is destined to appeal not only to professional still photographers but also to a diverse market of professional videographers and filmmakers who are looking for exceptional Full HD video quality, amazing low-light performance, outstanding portability and a level of durability unheard of in most HD video cameras in this price range.

New 45-Point Autofocus System
The new EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR camera features Canon’s most advanced Autofocus system to date. It is equipped with a newly developed 45-point AF sensor featuring 39 high-precision cross-type AF points, and an all new AI Servo II AF mode that gives still photographers the power and performance to track and focus a fast-moving subject at speeds up to 10 frames per second. With more than twice as many cross-type focusing points as the EOS-1D Mark III and a new AF sensor construction that improves performance in low light and with low contrast subjects, the EOS-1D Mark IV has greater subject detection capabilities than any previous EOS model. To complete the range of AF improvements, Canon has developed a new AI Servo II AF predictive focusing algorithm that significantly improves responsiveness and stability by making better decisions on focus tracking in a variety of shooting conditions.

Amazing High ISO Performance
Wedding and event photographers shooting in low light without the benefit of a flash can take advantage of Canon’s widest ISO range and highest performance ever. The EOS-1D Mark IV camera’s ISO speed settings range from 100 up to 12,800 in 1/3 or 1/2 stop increments with ISO Expansion settings of L: 50 for bright light or H1: 25,600, H2: 51,200, and H3: 102,400 for even the most dimly lit situations. Photographers and documentary filmmakers working in available light will be impressed by the low-noise image quality of the 1D Mark IV, capturing amazing still images and video footage even at speed settings as high as ISO 12,800. High ISO, low light still images are further enhanced by Canon’s adjustable High ISO Noise Reduction feature, now a default setting in the camera.

The EOS-1D Mark IV, EOS HD Video Powerhouse Over the past year, Canon’s EOS HD Video technology has changed the way users capture 1080p HD video and opened new doors for multimedia journalists and Hollywood cinematographers alike with full manual exposure control, selectable frame rates, and interchangeable lenses on some of the largest and most sensitive image sensors on the market. Canon continues this innovation trend with the new EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR with Full HD capture and full manual exposure control, plus selectable frame rates on an all-new APS-H-sized image sensor that’s similar in size to a Super 35mm motion picture film frame. The large sensor allows filmmakers to achieve shallow depth-of-field just as cinematographers have traditionally done using much higher-cost motion picture equipment.

The more than 50 Canon EF lenses compatible with the EOS-1D Mark IV give videographers incredible creative options, including an impressive selection of large-aperture professional L-series primes as well as zoom lenses, macro, Tilt-Shift and Fisheye optics. The Canon EOS-1D Mark IV allows for three video recording resolutions – 1080p Full HD and 720p HD in a 16:9 aspect ratio and Standard Definition (SD) in a 4:3 aspect ratio. The camera will record Full HD at 1920 x 1080 in selectable frame rates of 24p (23.976), 25p, or 30p (29.97); and 720p HD or SD video recording at either 50p or 60p (59.94). SD video can be recorded in either NTSC or PAL standards. Sound is recorded either through the internal monaural microphone or via optional external microphones connected to the stereo microphone input. The camera also provides an in-camera video editing function allowing users to remove the start or ending of a video clip directly in the camera to eliminate unwanted footage and speed up post-production.

Image Quality and Performance
The heart of the EOS-1D Mark IV camera’s outstanding image quality is a newly developed 16.1-Megapixel CMOS sensor featuring Canon’s latest and most advanced proprietary technologies. These technologies include improved photodiode construction to enhance dynamic range and gapless microlenses that are positioned closer to the photodiodes for improved light gathering efficiency. The transmissive quality of the color filter array has been enhanced to improve sensitivity. Canon has also upgraded the sensor circuitry to improve noise reduction before the image data is exported from the CMOS sensor to the rest of the image processing chain.

With 60 percent more pixels than the EOS-1D Mark III, the EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR employs Dual DIGIC 4 Image Processors with approximately six times the processing power of DIGIC III for full 14-bit A/D conversion at 10 fps. High-speed continuous shooting up to 121 Large JPEGs is possible using a UDMA CF card. This camera also features three RAW shooting modes for versatility with Full RAW (approx. 16 million pixels), M-RAW (approx. nine million pixels), and S-RAW (approx. four million pixels). Three additional JPEG recording formats (M1, M2 and Small) are also available.

The 14-bit per channel conversion facilitated by the dual DIGIC 4 Processors provides smoother tonalities in final images capturing all 16,384 distinct tones in each channel (red, green and blue) at the full 10 fps frame rate. RAW images shot on the new Canon EOS-1D Mark IV use the entire 14-bit space when converted to 16-bit TIFF files in Canon Digital Photo Professional (DPP) software, which is supplied with the camera at no extra charge. The 14-bit A/D conversion is also the foundation for Canon’s Highlight Tone Priority feature that takes maximum advantage of the camera’s extensive dynamic range to preserve detail in highlight areas of the image. Canon’s new EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR also features an improved white balance algorithm making colors more accurate when shooting under low color temperature light sources such as household tungsten lamps.

The EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR features Canon’s Peripheral Illumination Correction function which corrects darkening that can occur in the corners of images with most lenses when used at their largest apertures. When activated, it is automatically applied to JPEG images and video clips as they are shot. For RAW images, it can be applied in DPP software.

Other new features include a large three-inch solid structure Clear View II LCD screen with 920,000 dot/VGA resolution and a wide 160-degree viewing angle for enhanced clarity and more precise color when reviewing images and shooting video. The new in-camera copyright information feature helps professionals secure control over images by setting copyright data directly into the camera and appending that information to each image file in the Exif metadata. Additional features include a fluorine coating on the Low Pass Filter to further repel dust and enhance the EOS Integrated Cleaning System.

Minimize Post-Production with Enhanced Canon Auto Lighting Optimizer Action photography truly is all about speed, capturing a fast subject with fast focusing and fast frame rates. However, all this speed might be wasted if it is slowed down by lengthy post-production procedures to adjust image quality. The EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR helps reduce post-production work with a powerful new Auto Lighting Optimizer (ALO) system. When enabled, Canon’s ALO automatically adjusts the image for optimal brightness and contrast on the fly during in-camera image processing, reducing clipped highlights while keeping shadowed areas as clear and detailed as they actually appear. By optimizing brightness and contrast in-camera, Canon’s ALO system significantly reduces the need for post-production image optimization, and gives photographers image quality they can take directly to press. Demanding professional photographers who tested ALO clearly stated that this one feature will reduce their post-production image optimization process by more than 75 percent. Canon’s ALO works with both RAW[i] and JPEG images as well as video recording.

Rugged Reliability
Canon has taken every measure to ensure that the EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR camera has the highest degree of weather resistance in the EOS line. The 1D Mark IV camera incorporates a wide range of design features that enhance its durability and reliability for professional assignments. For example, the 1D Mark IV’s body, chassis and lens mount are completely weather-resistant and 76 gaskets and seals surround all buttons and seams. The body covers and internal chassis, including the mirror box, are constructed with magnesium-alloy, one of the strongest and rigid metals available for its weight. For added strength, the lens mount is constructed with stainless steel. In fact, when used with Canon’s Speedlite 580EX II and/or most current L-series lenses, the entire camera system remains fully weather resistant, so professionals can concentrate on getting the shot instead of worrying about protecting their gear.

New Wireless Connectivity
Canon is announcing the availability of the new WFT-E2 II A* wireless file transmitter exclusively for the EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR camera. The WFT-E2 II A wireless transmitter is an extremely small and versatile device that offers professional photographers a wide range of digital connectivity options including IEEE802.11a/b/g and Ethernet, ideal for commercial and studio work. In addition to adding the ability to connect to wireless networks over 802.11a, the new WFT-E2 II A adds a wealth of new professional features to the photographer’s tool kit. The new Camera Linking feature allows a single photographer to simultaneously fire up to 10 cameras remotely; and the updated WFT Server mode lets you remotely use Live View, control settings, and fire the EOS-1D Mark IV over the internet from anywhere in the world using a standard Web browser or many Web-enabled smart phones. Additionally, geotagging is now possible via Bluetooth, using compatible GPS devices to append coordinate data to the images.

Pricing and Availability
The Canon EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR camera is scheduled to be delivered to U.S. dealers in late December, and will be sold in a body-only configuration at an estimated retail price of $4,999.00[ii]. Final pricing and availability for the Canon WFT-E2 II A wireless file transmitter will be available later this year.

Canon Digital Learning Center
Online visitors and Web surfers are encouraged to browse the Canon Digital Learning Center and take advantage of the various educational resources that Canon has to offer for novices and advanced photographers alike. The Canon Digital Learning Center provides a schedule for a wide variety of Live Learning classes across the country with renowned photographers as well as online resources and tips. The site also features online tutorials for beginners and professionals to learn their way around a digital SLR camera and inkjet printer and unlock the full creative control of digital photography. To learn more about each program and register, please visit: www.usa.canon.com/canonlivelearning

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions. Its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), a top patent holder of technology, ranked third overall in the U.S. in 2008†, with global revenues of US $45 billion, is listed as number four in the computer industry on Fortune Magazine's World’s Most Admired Companies 2009 list, and is on the 2009 BusinessWeek list of "100 Best Global Brands." Canon U.S.A. is committed to the highest levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty, providing 100 percent U.S.-based consumer service and support for all of the products it distributes. At Canon, we care because caring is essential to living together in harmony. Founded upon a corporate philosophy of Kyosei – "all people, regardless of race, religion or culture, harmoniously living and working together into the future" – Canon U.S.A. supports a number of social, youth, educational and other programs, including environmental and recycling initiatives. Additional information about these programs can be found at www.usa.canon.com/kyosei. To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company's RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/rss.

†Based on weekly patent counts issued by United States Patent and Trademark Office.

# # #

* This device has not been authorized as required by the rules of the Federal Communications Commission. This device is not, and may not be offered for sale or lease, or sold or leased, until authorization is obtained.

Specifications and availability are subject to change without notice.
All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective owners.

  1. When processed in Canon Digital Photo Professional software.

  2. Pricing subject to change at any time. Actual prices are determined by individual dealers and may vary.

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